SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. ANNOUNCES PROPOSED COMMON STOCK AND EQUITY UNITS OFFERINGS

Rhea-AI Summary

South Jersey Industries, Inc. (NYSE: SJI) has announced plans for concurrent public offerings of up to $225 million in common stock and 6 million equity units, totaling $300 million. A forward sale agreement will allow an affiliate of BofA Securities to sell shares to underwriters. Proceeds will be used for debt repayment, regulated business investments, and general corporate purposes. Additional options for underwriters include purchasing up to $33.75 million in common stock. Equity Units will consist of a contract to purchase common stock and a beneficial interest in junior subordinated notes.

Positive

• Proceeds from offerings will be used for debt reduction and infrastructure investments.
• Plans to provide additional options for underwriters, enhancing market activity.

Negative

• Offering may dilute existing shareholders' equity.
• Potential risks associated with the suspension of utility service shut-offs in New Jersey affecting revenue.

Folsom, N.J, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --                                                                                             Investor Contact: Dan Fidell
(609) 561-9000 ext. 7027
dfidell@sjindustries.com

Media Contact: Dominick DiRocco
(609) 561-9000 ext. 4262
ddirocco@sjindustries.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES, INC. ANNOUNCES PROPOSED COMMON STOCK AND EQUITY UNITS OFFERINGS

Folsom, N.J., March 16, 2021 – South Jersey Industries, Inc. (NYSE: SJI) (the “Company”) today announced that it plans to conduct concurrent registered public offerings, subject to market conditions and other factors, of up to $225 million of shares of its common stock (the “Common Stock”), a portion of which may be subject to the forward sale agreement described below, and 6,000,000 Equity Units (the “Equity Units”) (aggregate stated amount of $300 million of Equity Units). 

In connection with the offering of shares of Common Stock, the Company expects to enter into a forward sale agreement with an affiliate of BofA Securities (such affiliate, the “Forward Purchaser”), under which the Company will agree to sell to the Forward Purchaser the same number of shares of Common Stock as are sold by an affiliate of the Forward Purchaser to the underwriters for sale in the underwritten public offering (subject to certain adjustments and to the Company’s right, in certain circumstances, to elect cash settlement or net share settlement of the forward sale agreement). Subject to certain conditions, an affiliate of the Forward Purchaser is expected to borrow, and sell to the underwriters, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the forward sale agreement at the close of the Common Stock offering in connection with the forward sale agreement.

Settlement of the forward sale agreement will occur on one or more dates no later than approximately 12 months after the date of the prospectus supplement relating to the Common Stock offering. Upon any physical settlement of the forward sale agreement, the Company will issue and deliver to the Forward Purchaser shares of Common Stock in exchange for cash proceeds per share of Common Stock equal to the forward sale price, which will initially be the price at which the underwriters agree to buy the Common Stock in the Common Stock offering, and will be subject to certain adjustments as provided in the forward sale agreement. The Company may, in certain circumstances, elect cash or net share settlement for all or a portion of its obligations under the forward sale agreement.

Net proceeds from these offerings will be used for the repayment of indebtedness, capital expenditures primarily for regulated businesses, including infrastructure investments at our utility business, and general corporate purposes. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Common Stock sold by the Forward Purchaser (or its affiliate) to the underwriters. The Company intends to use any net proceeds that it receives upon settlement of the forward sale agreement as described above.

The Company intends to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $33.75 million of shares of Common Stock and an option to purchase, within a 13-day period beginning on, and including, the date on which the Equity Units are first issued, up to an additional 900,000 Equity Units, upon the same terms as their respective offerings. 

Each Equity Unit will be issued in a stated amount of $50 and will initially consist of a contract to purchase shares of Common Stock and a 1/20, or 5%, undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of the Company’s 2021 Series B remarketable junior subordinated notes due 2029.  Pursuant to the purchase contracts, holders are required to purchase Common Stock no later than April 1, 2024.  The Company intends to list Equity Units in the form of Corporate Units on the New York Stock Exchange, and expects trading to commence within 30 days of the date of initial issuance (subject to listing approval).

BofA Securities is acting as lead book-running manager for the Common Stock offering and sole book-running manager for the Equity Units offering and as the representative of the underwriters for both offerings.

Both offerings are being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement that has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  A preliminary prospectus supplement related to the offering of the Common Stock and a preliminary prospectus supplement related to the offering of the Equity Units will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.  Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplements and the accompanying prospectus relating to the Common Stock and Equity Units offerings may be obtained from BofA Securities at NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte, NC  28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department or by emailing to dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com.

The Common Stock offering is not contingent on the Equity Units offering, and the Equity Units offering is not contingent on the Common Stock offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make an offer, solicitation or sale.

About South Jersey Industries, Inc.
SJI (NYSE: SJI), an energy services holding company based in Folsom, NJ, delivers energy services to its customers through three primary subsidiaries. SJI Utilities, SJI’s regulated natural gas utility business, delivers safe, reliable, affordable natural gas to approximately 700,000 South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas customers in New Jersey. SJI’s non-utility businesses within South Jersey Energy Solutions promote efficiency, clean technology and renewable energy by providing customized wholesale commodity marketing and fuel management services; and developing, owning and operating on-site energy production facilities. SJI Midstream houses the Company’s interest in the PennEast Pipeline Project. Visit sjindustries.com for more information about SJI and its subsidiaries.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release, including information incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding guidance, industry prospects or future results of operations or financial position, expected sources of incremental margin, strategy, financing needs, future capital expenditures and the outcome or effect of ongoing litigation, are forward-looking. Other forward-looking statements include words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "objective," "plan," "project," "seek," "strategy," "target," "will" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management at the time that these statements were prepared and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the suspensions of shut offs of service for non-payment by New Jersey utility customers that will be in place through at least June 30, 2021 based on an executive order issued by the Governor of New Jersey and the other risks set forth under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in any other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time. These cautionary statements should not be construed by you to be exhaustive and they are made only as of the date of this news release. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will approximate actual experience or that the expectations derived from them will be realized. Further, SJI and SJG undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

FAQ

What is South Jersey Industries planning to offer?

South Jersey Industries plans to offer up to $225 million in common stock and 6 million equity units, totaling $300 million.

How will South Jersey Industries use the proceeds from the stock offerings?

The proceeds will primarily be used for debt repayment, regulated business capital expenditures, and general corporate purposes.

What is the forward sale agreement mentioned in the press release?

The forward sale agreement allows an affiliate of BofA Securities to sell shares to underwriters, with settlement expected within 12 months.

What are the risks associated with South Jersey Industries' offerings?

Risks include potential dilution of existing shareholders and the impact of suspended utility shut-offs on revenue.

When are the Equity Units expected to begin trading?

Equity Units are expected to commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange within 30 days after initial issuance.